John Clark

Old Volunteer

One of Wiltshire’s oldest ex-volunteers celebrated his 96th birthday yesterday. He is Mr John Clark of 3 Katifer Lane, Malmesbury, who joined the 2nd Volunteer Battalion of The Wiltshire Regiment in 1872.

Mr Clark is a native of Malmesbury and was born at the Plough Inn, which was built by his grandfather. He has also been associated with the trade himself, being for over 36 years the licensee of the Barley Mow, in the Horsefair, which has now been converted into a private dwelling house.

During this time he was a smallholder and enjoyed many days out shooting with his dogs. He was a fine marksman in his younger days and won many awards, being twice runner-up for the County Cup. For 44 years Mr Clark was superintendent and toll-collector at the market. In 1926, during the General Strike, he became a special constable at the age of 71.